“It’s been over a year since the divorce; why am I still so wrapped up in it?” Today’s CareLeader Quiz asks you to think through the best way to initially respond to someone who tells you she struggles with “getting motivated.” For a while now, Susan has struggled with “getting motivated.” It’s hard for her to get excited about anything, including the fellowship meals … [Read more...]
The flipside: Coaching parents to uncover strength within a child’s weakness
Parents are often frustrated by the behavior of their kids. Dr. Scott Turansky shares a helpful insight that you can pass along to parents to give them hope: Many of the moms and dads in your church struggle with parenting issues. Starting Tuesday, May 17, our Care Issue will be Parenting God’s Way. That week we’ll share articles that explain: How you can … [Read more...]
Hijacking member complaints for the glory of God
Lunch was great. But you know what’s next. And it’s not the bill. “Pastor, I’d like to talk to you about something …” From there you hear yet another complaint about the church—what you’re not doing, what you could be doing, who’s being neglected, who feels rejected. On and on it goes. Instead of listening, you start nodding—not in agreement with him, but affirming … [Read more...]
Feeling the burn: Defusing the source of your anger
It’s no secret that we get angry with staff members, church members, and even family members. But just because we may have more spiritual authority and insight than those we interact with doesn’t mean we’re always innocent when it comes to conflict. Elyse Fitzpatrick explains … Questions to ask yourself when you’re angry with a church member: What do I want … [Read more...]
Caught: Key questions to explore in the aftermath of adultery
Trivia question: What were the first two questions posed by God to humanity? If you look into the Genesis account of Adam’s fall into sin, you will see them plainly. Soon after Adam ate of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, God called out, “Where are you?” Upon finding Adam and his wife hunkered in the bushes and then listening to their driveling, God asked, “Who told you … [Read more...]